Methods of evaluating microorganisms to determine efficiency of colonization of a plant or plant part are described. Methods of identifying genetic elements correlated with colonization efficiency of plant-associated microorganism are also provided. Methods to identify microorganisms for use as inoculants for improved plant yield using the colonization screening methods or the presence of genetic elements associated with colonization efficiency are described. Further methods useful for identification of microorganisms useful as inoculants for improving plant yield are presented.

Micropeptides (miPEPs), or peptides coded by microRNAs, for promoting nodulation between a plant and a bacterium, as well as their use in this manner.

Micropeptides (miPEPs), or peptides coded by microRNAs, for promoting nodulation between a plant and a bacterium, as well as their use in this manner.

This invention relates to methods and compositions for providing a benefit to a plant by associating the plant with a beneficial endophyte of the genus Streptomyces, including benefits to a plant derived from a seed or other plant element treated with said endophyte. For example, this invention provides purified endophytes, synthetic combinations comprising endophytes, and methods of making and using the same. In particular, this invention relates to compositions and methods of improving soybean and maize plants.

This invention relates to methods and compositions for providing a benefit to a plant by associating the plant with a beneficial endophyte of the genus Streptomyces, including benefits to a plant derived from a seed or other plant element treated with said endophyte. For example, this invention provides purified endophytes, synthetic combinations comprising endophytes, and methods of making and using the same. In particular, this invention relates to compositions and methods of improving soybean and maize plants.

The present invention relates to isolated strains of Epichloë endophytes that form symbiotic associations with host plants, wherein the symbiotic associations are combinations of endophytes and host plants that are not found in nature. The invention also relates to combinations of host plants and Epichloë endophytes that are not found in nature, methods of making such combinations and methods of conferring at least some level of pest resistance on a host plant using such endophytes.

The present invention relates to isolated strains of Epichloë endophytes that form symbiotic associations with host plants, wherein the symbiotic associations are combinations of endophytes and host plants that are not found in nature. The invention also relates to combinations of host plants and Epichloë endophytes that are not found in nature, methods of making such combinations and methods of conferring at least some level of pest resistance on a host plant using such endophytes.

The present invention relates to new methods of selecting and breeding organisms, in particular organisms which exhibit symbiotic behaviour with symbionts, and to new organisms and symbiota developed thereby, such as plant or grass and endophyte symbiota. Multiple symbionts are deployed in multiple organsims and selected for improved symbiotic compatibility and performance early in the breeding process. Methods include producing improved organisms from germplasm, by inoculating host organism germplasm libraries with symbionts seleced from symbiont libraries and selecting improved host organisms exhibiting desired symbiota characteristics, and selection of organism-symbiont associations with a desired genetic and metabolic profile by metagenomic analysis of nucleic acid libraries from an organism or organism-symbiont.

The present invention relates to new methods of selecting and breeding organisms, in particular organisms which exhibit symbiotic behaviour with symbionts, and to new organisms and symbiota developed thereby, such as plant or grass and endophyte symbiota. Multiple symbionts are deployed in multiple organsims and selected for improved symbiotic compatibility and performance early in the breeding process. Methods include producing improved organisms from germplasm, by inoculating host organism germplasm libraries with symbionts seleced from symbiont libraries and selecting improved host organisms exhibiting desired symbiota characteristics, and selection of organism-symbiont associations with a desired genetic and metabolic profile by metagenomic analysis of nucleic acid libraries from an organism or organism-symbiont.

This invention relates to methods and materials for modulating the characteristics of a plant, said plant having been heterologously disposed to an endophyte or a plurality of endophytes, or derived from a plant reproductive element heterologously disposed to an endophyte or a plurality of endophytes.